Wearable Device to Reduce Pain and Promote Healing of Lower Back Problems

ABSTRACT

A device that decompresses the lower spine while the wearer is seated or standing. The device includes two belt-shaped straps. The first strap circles the upper torso just below the breast line. The second strap circles the waist at or slightly above the normal belt line riding on the hip. In embodiments of the invention, the lower strap can be a normal belt. The straps can be equipped with pockets that are aligned along the upper edge of the upper strap and the lower edge of the lower strap designed to receive and hold flat splints. Typically, two rigid flat splints extend vertically between the straps centered laterally on the left and right sides of the torso. When the device is worn, it decompresses the lower spine when the person stands or sits.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to devices for back problems and more particularly to a wearable device that dramatically reduces pain and promotes healing of Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Herniated Discs, Muscle Spasms, and Sciatica.

Description of the Problem Solved and of the Prior Art

Low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide. According to the Global Burden of Disease 2010, an average of 30 million adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lifetimes, and it is the most common cause of job-related disability. Spinal Degenerative Joint Disease describes a number of lower back conditions that primarily affect people when they become older. Spondylosis is a term that refers to the general degeneration of the spine associated with normal wear and tear that occurs in the joints, discs, and bones of the spine as people get older. One of the many mechanical causes of low back pain is a condition called Spinal Stenosis where the spinal canal begins to narrow causing the open spaces between the vertebrae decrease in size. The tightness can pinch the spinal cord and/or or Sciatic Nerve causing pain, tingling, or numbness in the legs, arms, or torso. Common treatments include medications and physical therapy. If the pain cannot be controlled this way, surgery may be recommended. Unfortunately, surgery does not always work. Some spine decompression techniques include ice and even hanging a patient upside-down to relieve the pressure. While hanging upside-down is effective, it is hardly practical as a long-term cure and can even cause strokes if the body remains at more than a 30-degree angle too long.

It has been shown that if the lower back can be decompressed for long periods of time, not only is pain relieved, but also actual healing can take place. Healing cannot occur when the spine is in a compressed state. While extreme techniques like hanging upside down, or engaging in expensive decompression sessions on a specialized mechanical bed at the doctor's office, can result in the desired decompression, these alternatives are simply not practical and can even be dangerous.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,130 by Grudem shows an immobilization device that is typically used after back surgery. This device has two splints that are forward of the side of the user's body and a solid back brace member that resides in the center of the back. This device immobilizes the back, but fails to provide decompression while sitting. The forward position of the splints also gets in the way of normal movements and can actually cause pain in the chest when the user tries to bend forward.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,420,230 by Ballard teaches a device with two straps and a single back splint. This device fails to provide decompression when seated or bending forward.

It would be particularly advantageous to have a device that decompressed the lower spine while the user is simply sitting, since sitting is the most comfortable position and is a position that many people must assume at work or leisure for long hours anyway.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device that decompresses the lower spine while the wearer is seated. The device includes two (and in some cases, only one) belt-shaped straps. The first strap circles the upper torso just below the breast line. It can thus be used by women as well as men without putting undue pressure on the breasts. The second strap circles the waist at the normal belt line and rides on the hips. In some embodiments of the invention only one strap is used with the lower strap being a normal belt. The straps are typically equipped with a series of pockets that are aligned along the upper edge of the upper strap and the lower edge of the lower strap that are designed to receive and hold flat splints. In alternate embodiments, the splints can be permanently attached with no pockets. Typically, two rigid flat splints extend vertically between the upper and lower straps on the left and right sides of the torso. With the straps and splints correctly positioned, the device decompresses the lower spine when the user sits and slightly leans forward, or leans from side to side. It maintains maximum decompression as long as the person remains seated. The device, normally worn under the clothes, does not interfere with clothing, movement, work or appearance. Since many people remain seated for long periods each day, the present invention maintains a state of spinal decompression during these long periods. Decompression, in addition to relieving pain, improves posture and allows blood, hydration and nutrients to flow into the problem area and enhance the body's natural healing response. This simply cannot happen when the area is being continually pinched by the natural forces of gravity, much less by other mechanical physical conditions of the spine.

The present invention grips the upper back and hips and performs an expansive motion when the wearer gently leans forward or side to side, expanding the lower spine by simply sitting in a chair. It also creates a gentle expansion while the wearer is standing and engaging in daily activities and sports. It is worn against the skin for best grip and can be comfortably worn on a daily basis for hours during the day under clothing while sitting at a desk or keyboard, or while standing and moving. As a side effect, the present invention helps correct the wearer's posture by making the user sit up straight while simultaneously decompressing the lower spine helping to alleviate pain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Attention is now directed to several drawings the illustrate features of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention being worn (outside clothing for clarity).

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 assembled, but not being worn.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the device of FIG. 2

FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of one of the straps showing an arrangement of pockets.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom-up view of the strap of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a isometric view of an assembled version of the embodiment of FIGS. 4-5.

FIG. 7 shows top and side views of various length splints.

FIG. 8 shows a front and back view of a typical strap.

FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention worn with only one strap and a standard belt.

Several figures and illustrations have been provided to aid in understanding the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to what is shown in the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a device that can be worn under clothing to decompress the lower spine relieving pain and promoting healing of lower back problems such as Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Herniated Discs, Muscle Spasms, and Sciatica. The device includes an upper strap or belt worn below the breast line and a lower strap or belt worn in the normal belt position riding on the hip. At least two rigid splints extend vertically between the two belts on the left and right sides of the body. When the wearer stands or sits, the lower spine is gently decompressed.

Turning to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present invention is shown being worn. Each of the straps or belts is approximately five inches wide with sets of pockets on opposing edges. A splint can be seen extending vertically between the straps on each side of the body. The splints can be captured and held in place by the pockets. The pockets are optional; the splints can be permanently attached to the straps in some embodiments. Also, a plug or other device can be inserted into the holes at each end of the splint through the pocket and strap. The splint holes can be larger or smaller than the ¼″ pictured in FIG. 7. FIG. 1 shows the device being worn outside the clothing for clarity. While this is possible, normally the device is worn under clothing so as to not be as visible.

FIG. 2 shows the device assembled, but not being worn, while FIG. 3 shows it exploded. The upper and lower straps 1, 2 are approximately five inches wide. Each strap can be approximately forty-five inches long with an overlapped region that uses hook-loop fasteners known in the trade as VELCRO™. Any other method may be used to secure the straps. The straps can thus be fitted to most wearers. Longer and shorter straps can be supplied for very large and very small wearers. While, the dimensions given are preferred, the straps can be made in any convenient sizes. The preferred material for the straps is neoprene; however, any flexible material may be used, including, but not limited to leather or other polymers.

FIGS. 2 and 3 also show a pair of splints 3 on the left and right sides of the device that are received and held by pockets 4, 5. The splints can be made from any rigid material with molded rigid plastic being preferred. Other materials can be metal or wood. Any material that is rigid as a flat splint can be used. The lower end of the splints can optionally be split or U-shaped to cup over a standard belt in the case the wearer prefers to wear only an upper strap. The splints are typically between eight to thirteen inches long with preferred sizes being approximately 9.00 inches, 10.75 inches and 12.00 inches. Any length of splint may be used. The splint extends from an upper strap under the shoulders to a lower strap on the belt line. The width of the splint can be between 1 inch and 3 inches with approximately 2 inches being preferred. The width of the splint is not critical as long as the splint fits snugly against the side of the body. The thickness of the splints can be between 0.15 inches to 0.25 inches with a preferred thickness being approximately 0.1875 inches. The thickness is not critical as long as the longest splint is thick enough to not bend outward in compression (column instability), but rather remain rigid.

It should be noted in FIGS. 1-3 that the splints 3 are located directly on the sides of the user's body. The are centered laterally. Centered laterally means that they are centered on right and left sides of the torso under the armpits. The optional additional pockets are only used so that different sized users can locate a splint directly on each side of their body, i.e. center it laterally. The device will not provide the required decompression if the splints are not on the sides of the body.

The pockets 4, 5 typically have slots that receive the splints. The pockets on the upper strap are typically on its upper edge, while the pockets on the lower strap are typically on its lower edge. The two straps can be identical with the lower strap simply flipped over when worn so that its pockets are on its lower edge. The slots should match the width and thickness of the splints so that they are held firmly in place by the straps 1, 2. As stated, the pockets are optional; the splints can be permanently attached to the straps by any known method.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show an embodiment of the strap 1 with three pockets 4 on the left and right sides. The center pocket is used for most users. Again, the extra, optional pockets are only used to assure that the splints are aligned with the left and right side of the user's body for different sized users. While three pockets are shown on each side, any number of pockets including only one pocket (or no pockets) on each side is within the scope of the present invention. The pockets 4 are securely attached to the strap 1. As stated, the preferred material for the strap 1 is neoprene, and the preferred material for the splint 3 is hard plastic.

FIG. 6 shows the straps and splints of FIGS. 4-5 assembled. It should be noted that the top pockets 4 face downward, and the bottom pockets 5 face upward to receive and hold the splints. This alignment of the pockets occurs using identical straps for top and bottom by simply flipping the strap over depending upon whether it is used in the top or bottom position.

FIG. 7 shows top and side views of splints 3 of three preferred lengths 9.00 inches, 10.75 inches and 12.00 inches. Splints of these lengths can be supplied as stock items. Special splints of other sizes can also be made. Splints of any size are within the scope of the present invention. While other preferred dimensions are also shown in FIG. 7, all of the dimensions in FIG. 7 are for example only. The splints can be made with any other dimensions.

The splints 3 in FIG. 7 are shown with a flat end 20 and a forked or U-shaped end 21. The flat end 20 fits into the upper strap pocket 4, while the forked end 21 is the bottom end that either is received by the lower pocket 5 or forks around a standard belt worn around the hips. Splints can also be made with both ends flat or both ends forked.

The splints 3 of FIG. 7 are shown with small holes 23, 24 in their ends. These holes are optional, can be made any size, and can be used with removable plugs that secure the splints 3 to the pockets 4, 5. These, when used, allow the user to remove the belt and splints as a one-piece harness for convenience. However, plugs are typically not required to be used as the invention relies on the compressive forces between the straps 1, 2 to hold the splints 3 in the pockets 4, 5.

FIG. 8 shows a front and back view of a strap. FIG. 8 also shows example dimensions. Again, all of the dimensions in FIG. 8 are for example only. The straps can be made with any dimensions. The upper part of FIG. 8 shows the front of a representative strap; the lower part of FIG. 8 shows the back. Both the front and the back have a surface of loop material 31, 32. Hook material appears in strips 30 a and 30 b at the ends of the strap. There is hook material on both sides of the strap at different ends. This allows the strap to attach to the user's body at two different locations preventing slippage. While this is a particular embodiment of hook/loop material, any other arrangement of hook/loop material or any other method of holding the strap securely in place is within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the present invention being worn with only one strap using a standard belt for the lower strap. This embodiment may be preferred by users who do not wish to have to wear two straps. Again, the device is shown worn outside the user's clothing. Typically however, the device will be worn under clothing to make is less visible.

The present invention relates to a device that decompresses the lower spine of a wearer while standing or seated relieving pain from lower back problems and providing a better environment for long-term healing. In addition to Spinal Stenosis, the present invention is useful for general Spondylosis conditions such as, degenerative disc disease, herniated disks, sciatica, muscle spasms and other causes of lower back pain.

Several descriptions and illustrations have been presented to aid in understanding the present invention. One with skill in the art will realize that numerous changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Each of these changes and variations is within the scope of the present invention. 

I claim:
 1. A device that relieves lower back pain comprising: an upper flexible strap having a left side and a right side constructed to encircle a user's upper torso; a lower flexible strap also having a left side and a right side constructed to encircle the user's belt-line; a first rigid splint extending approximately vertically between the left side of the upper flexible strap and the left side of the lower flexible strap, the first rigid splint being centered laterally on a user's left side when the device is worn; a second rigid splint extending approximately vertically between the right side of the upper flexible strap and the right side of the lower flexible strap, the second rigid splint being centered laterally on the user's right side when the device is worn; the first rigid splint having an upper and lower end, the upper end of the first rigid splint being received and held by a pocket on the left side of the upper flexible strap; the lower end of the first rigid splint being received and held by a pocket on the left side of the lower flexible strap; the second rigid splint also having an upper and lower end, the upper end of the second rigid splint being received and held by a pocket on the right side of the upper flexible strap; the lower end of the second rigid splint being received and held by a pocket on the right side of the lower flexible strap.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the first and second rigid splints are between 8 inches and 13 inches long.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein the first and second rigid splints are supplied in lengths of 9 inches, 10.75 inches and 12 inches.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the upper and lower flexible straps are neoprene.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the splints are hard plastic.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein each splint has a through-hole in at least one of its ends.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein one end of each splint is forked.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein the upper and lower flexible straps are approximately 45 inches in length with hook material on a first end on a first side and hook material on a second end on a second side with loop material on both sides between regions of hook material.
 9. A device that relieves lower back pain comprising: an upper flexible strap having a left side and a right side constructed to encircle a user's upper torso; a first rigid splint having a forked lower end extending between the left side of the upper flexible strap and a wearer's belt, the first rigid splint being centered laterally on a user's left side when the device is worn; a second rigid splint also having a forked end extending between the right side of the upper flexible strap and the wearer's belt, the second rigid splint being centered laterally on the user's right side when the device is worn; the first rigid splint having an upper and lower end, the upper end of the first rigid splint being received and held by a pocket on the left side of the upper flexible strap; the lower end of the first rigid splint being received and held by being forked around a left side of the wearer's belt; the second rigid splint also having an upper and lower end, the upper end of the second rigid splint being received and held by a pocket on the right side of the upper flexible strap; the lower end of the second rigid splint being received and held by being forked around a right side of the wearer's belt.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein the first and second rigid splints are between 8 inches and 13 inches long.
 11. The device of claim 10 wherein the first and second rigid splints are supplied in lengths of 9 inches, 10.75 inches and 12 inches.
 12. The device of claim 9 wherein the upper flexible strap is neoprene.
 13. The device of claim 9 wherein the splints are hard plastic.
 14. The device of claim 9 wherein each splint has a through-hole in at least one of its ends.
 15. The device of claim 9 wherein the upper flexible strap is approximately 45 inches in length with hook material on a first end on a first side and hook material on a second end on a second side with loop material on both sides between regions of hook material.
 16. A method for relieving a user's lower back pain comprising: wearing an upper flexible strap having a left side and a right side constructed to encircle the user's upper torso; wearing a lower flexible strap also having a left side and a right side constructed to encircle the user's belt-line; wearing a first rigid splint extending between the left side of the upper flexible strap and the left side of the lower flexible strap, the first rigid splint being centered laterally on the user's left side; wearing a second rigid splint extending between the right side of the upper flexible strap and the right side of the lower flexible strap, the second rigid splint being centered laterally on the user's right side; wherein the first rigid splint has an upper and lower end, the upper end of the first rigid splint being received and held by a pocket on the left side of the upper flexible strap; the lower end of the first rigid splint being received and held by a pocket on the left side of the lower flexible strap; and wherein the second rigid splint also has an upper and lower end, the upper end of the second rigid splint being received and held by a pocket on the right side of the upper flexible strap; the lower end of the second rigid splint being received and held by a pocket on the right side of the lower flexible strap.
 17. A device that relieves lower back pain comprising: an upper flexible strap having a left side and a right side constructed to encircle a user's upper torso; a lower flexible strap also having a left side and a right side constructed to encircle a user's belt-line; a first rigid splint extending between the left side of the upper flexible strap and the left side of the lower flexible strap, the first rigid splint being centered laterally on the user's right side when the device is worn; a second rigid splint extending between the right side of the upper flexible strap and the right side of the lower flexible strap, the second rigid splint being centered laterally on the user's right side when the device is worn.
 18. The device of claim 17 wherein the first and second rigid splints are between 8 inches and 13 inches long.
 19. The device of claim 18 wherein the first and second rigid splints are supplied in lengths of 9 inches, 10.75 inches and 12 inches.
 20. The device of claim 17 wherein the upper flexible strap is neoprene. 